Key Insights for Suns’ Opener: Starting Lineup for Jalen Green, Rotation Strategy, and More

Basio badr

ago 8 days

The Phoenix Suns are set to commence their 2025-26 season on October 22 against the Sacramento Kings at Mortgage Matchup Center. As anticipation builds, fans are keen to learn about the starting lineup, particularly in light of Jalen Green’s injury and the team’s rotation strategy.

Key Insights for Suns’ Opener

Jalen Green’s Injury and Starting Lineup

Jalen Green will not participate in the season opener due to a right hamstring injury. He previously suffered the strain during training camp and reinjured it while the team was in China.

In Green’s absence, Grayson Allen is expected to start alongside Devin Booker, Dillon Brooks, Ryan Dunn, and Mark Williams. Allen is currently listed as probable with left hip soreness.

Coaching Philosophy and Minutes Distribution

First-year coach Jordan Ott, previously an assistant with the Cleveland Cavaliers, is bringing an emphasis on ball movement and player movement to the Suns. This new strategy may reshape minutes distribution, echoing patterns seen with the Cavaliers last season.

Last season, the Cavaliers had twelve players averaging between 31.2 and 19.1 minutes. Booker led the Suns with an average of 37.3 minutes. Observers are curious if Ott will limit Booker’s playtime while employing a deeper bench.

Playing Style and Defensive Strategy

The Suns intend to adopt an aggressive playing style, focusing on pressure defense and high-paced offense. This will likely require utilizing a bench of 10 players to maintain stamina throughout games.

It’s worth noting that the Suns averaged 29.7 fouls during the preseason, suggesting a potentially intense playing style. Last season, the Toronto Raptors led the league with an average of 21.2 fouls per game. The Suns aim to control this statistic while maintaining their aggressive approach.

Rotation Breakdown

Based on preseason performances, the following rotation is anticipated:

Collin Gillespie for either Allen or Booker
Nick Richards for Mark Williams
Royce O’Neale for either Brooks or Dunn
Nigel Hayes-Davis replacing Brooks or Dunn, while either Booker or Allen remains on the court

Rookies and Fresh Faces

Rookies Khaman Maluach and Rasheer Fleming are poised to make an impression. Both participated in all preseason games, with Maluach notably scoring 17 points against the Lakers.

Fleming, an athletic 6-8 forward, is focusing on defense and rebounding. Depending on game dynamics, either rookie could be the first to see action.

Anticipation for Brooks’ Technicals

Dillon Brooks is known for his fiery playing style. Last season, he was second in the NBA with 16 technical fouls. Fans are eager to see if he can get his first technical foul as a Sun during the opener, adding to the excitement.

The Suns’ season opener against the Kings promises to be a crucial game as they navigate injuries, rotations, and strategies for a successful start in what looks to be a competitive season.